Newburghers denounce proposed tax hike

CITY OF NEWBURGH — The people of Newburgh sat through presentations about dog laws, banners and restrictive covenants. And then they got to speak.

BY DOYLE MURPHY

CITY OF NEWBURGH — The people of Newburgh sat through presentations about dog laws, banners and restrictive covenants. And then they got to speak.

"I believe a lot of people are here tonight because they want to hear about the budget," resident Curlie Dillard said. "They didn't come here to hear about no trestle. They came to hear about how their home can be saved."

Apparently, he was right. Newburghers have had nearly two weeks to try to understand a proposed 83 percent property tax increase. They — at least the ones who came to Monday's City Council meeting — have come to the conclusion that it won't work. One after another, they pleaded with the council to keep taxes low enough that they could afford to live here. The tax threat has created strange alliances. The poorest residents spoke on the same side as landlords. Newcomers agreed with lifers.

"It's not even a richer or poorer situation," said Chris Hanson, a real estate broker and resident. "It's suicide. It's going to kill everyone the same way."

More than 110 people showed up to listen and another couple of dozen to speak, often angrily.

"I don't care if you make a lot of money or a little bit of money," resident MaryAnn Prokosch said. "Everyone is going to feel it."

Councilwoman Regina Angelo said the city would be better off if residents would stop speaking so poorly about Newburgh and help out. She lashed out at people who post critically about city government on Internet message boards.

"I've never ever said a detrimental thing about the City of Newburgh," Angelo said. "Ever. Ever."

About a dozen people walked out. Others yelled back.

More arguments are likely to come as the council approaches a Nov. 23 deadline to approve the 2010 budget. A public comment session is set for a council meeting on Nov. 9.

dmurphy@th-record.com

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